High Levels of Lead Found in Many Kids' Foods and Juices!

Photo from LelandsMommyGet ready to clean out your refrigerator ... a new report from the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) shows an outrageous number of children's snacks and juices -- even organic ones -- contain high levels of lead.

Of the 146 items they tested -- including those from brands like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's -- 125 contained "high" levels of lead. Tests were performed on a variety of products specifically marketed to children such as bottled baby food and juices and canned fruits.

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So incredibly frightening! It's absolutely outrageous to me that in this day, in this country, this is allowed to happen. I'm so sick of recalls on things we buy for our children (from cribs to clothing), trusting that they will be safe, only to find out that they could be deadly.

So what now?

The ELF has sent warnings to the companies producing the contaminated products. They either have to find a way to remove the lead or place a warning on their products.

Although I question why if there's enough warrant for a warning, the products would even be allowed on the market, I am at least grateful to have this information now. We don't buy juice in our house, never have, thankfully, but some of the organic fruit products are definitely sitting on my shelves ... or were.

"Exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects on a child's development and behavior," states the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. "Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth and hearing loss. At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and even death."

Check out the entire list of products that tested high for lead, and get your garbage bag ready. What really scares me is all the products they didn't test that may still contain lead. Wow, I really need to plant a garden and raise some chickens or something.